Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade certified as fully operational

AAV7A1 amphibious assault vehicles of the JGSDF participating in amphibious landing operation exercises as part of Exercise Iron Fist 2019. Photo c/o Dvids.

The 1st Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (1ARDB) of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) completed its participation in the recently concluded Exercise Iron Fist 2019 conducted in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California with the 1st Marine Division of the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The exercise participation also certified the 1ARDB as fully operational by the USMC.

While this is the 14th iteration of the exercise, the 2019 Exercise Iron Fist was the first time that the JGSDF brought their own amphibious assault vehicles. Aside from training on amphibious landing operations, the exercise also included training on advanced marksmanship, fire and manoeuvre assaults, amphibious reconnaissance, staff planning, logistical support, and fire support operations.

Exercise Iron Fist 2019 concluded last 9 February 2019.

Japan decided to create the 1ARDB as part of its long term security plan to improve its ability to defend the islands it control, especially those that are being contested by neighbors, while also improving its ability to respond to security challenges.



[1] US Marine Corps
[2] IHS Jane’s